Yes we have had to make the decision. It's heart breaking. It's a hard decision to make, but it's always made with the best intention. It's better to end their pain sooner rather than later, when the end is inevitable. Sending you thoughts of strength and courage and comfort in this difficult time.

Yes, a tough decision. We did it for our 2 dogs that we treated for Diabetes, one that passed at 17 years, diabetic for just her last year. The other diagnosed at 7 years and passed at 14. In the final hours we were heart broken, but relieved that we had the option to relieve their suffering when there was so many complications of the disease and no hope. You know what you have to do for that so loved family member.

It is a very hard decision, but I think that often it is the best, last gift we can give them.

yes, many many times. my way of thinking is that i'd rather do it a week too soon than a day too late. i never want my animals to get to the point of suffering.

i'm so sorry you have to make this decision, i know how hard it is. wishing you peace with what is to come and wishing your sweet pup a peaceful journey.

I'm calling this morning.

I'm so sorry...but...your doing the right thing. He "is" your baby and it hurts you to have to make this decision. But...it's time. ♥

I'm so sorry. It's heartbreaking but is also an act of love for them. It's just so hard.

I am so sorry for what you are going through. You are putting your little guy's needs ahead of your own. It's that one last thing we can do for a beloved pet. This sums it up:

I Loved You Best

So this is where we part, My Friend, and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind, new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on, I'll find the strength, life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave, share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true, but they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought, will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed, the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest, take with you this...I loved you best.

Jim Willis 2002

He's gone

Sorry for your loss. You made the right decisiion. I have gone through it 3 times. It never gets easier.

i'm so sorry. may you be blessed with many good memories.

My heart breaks for you, Sal. I know what you are going through, I've had to do it several times, and it is really tough.

Prayers going up for comfort for you.

Rusty

So sorry for your loss but you made the right decision. We have had to do this before too and it is so hard on furbaby owners but, best for the doggies and kitties!

Sal, I wanted to check here this morning. What you did was loving and kind. I hope it's some comfort to know how much we understand.

Hugs and sympathy of understanding and a thank you for doing the right thing for your beloved furchild. So many of us know only too well what you are going through, having gone through the same thing so many times. My consolation is knowing they are back home with their creator and I will in time be reunited with all that I loved.

Sal, my thoughts are with you today. You did the most compassionate thing for your little doggie, and I wish you only good memories.

I'm so sorry.

Sal and family - my heart is broken for you. You gave him so many gifts throughout his life, and this was the kindest.

I am right now, just got of the phone to the vet. My 20 years old cat, my helper trough my husband's illness, always at his side and telling me when my husband needed help, is not eating anymore, don't want to be touched or brushed . That is the cat which slept at night at my side and could not get enough of having her belly rubbed. Walking very wobbly and slow. I don't want her to suffer.

Very sorry. Said all too often, but you will have the memories, be they sad ones sometimes. The hard hurting will go away a little each day.

You did the right thing although your heart is breaking, Believe me, I know. Healing thoughts go out to you.

Love to you. It hurts so much to lose a pet.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I am at that stage, now. My cat, nearly 20, is going through kidney failure. She still eats (her special diet), but has suddenly gone incontinent, and her pee does not remotely smell of urine. I've called the vets, but since she is still eating, my appointment there is not until Tuesday. (This may change if she changes). She's a little love, my little ragdoll friend, the only warm body I could cuddle and hug during COVID. She would hug back.

I fully expect to be bringing her in before Tuesday.

@anneliese32 @artemis_ma, I went through it with our cat a couple years ago. We had to make that hard visit to the vet with her the day after Christmas. I swear at night I can still feel her jumping up on our bed. So hard but you'll get through it.

How lucky you both were to have the 20 years. I anticipated that with our Chloe but we lost her at 15.

artemis_ma So sorry you are facing this. We live with 2 young Aussies - we've lost 2 cats and 4 dogs during our marriage. It's a heartwrenching part of life, but the love and companionship is worth it. Big hugs to you. I never had to do it alone. I hope you have someone's shoulder to cry on.

Oh, sal, I am so sorry. I know what a big hole a pet leaves behind.

Sending you virtual hugs. I know how hard it is to make that decision and the heartache afterwards. I'm so sorry.

So sorry for your loss.

sal, my deepest sympathies.

Artemis, I'm so sorry for what you're facing. Sending you courage and comfort.

@sal - I am so sorry. That is such a hard loss. Those pets of ours are so loved, they work their way into our hearts and never leave.

so sorry, its so hard.... (((((hugs)))))))

Even though it is a very tough decision, I hope you know you did the right thing for him. God bless you.

Sending love❤️❤️❤️

sal60, i know its a hard day for you. i send best wishes for getting through the pain. i do hope that someday you’ll feel ready to begin again with a new dog.

I agree with lisaam. When you're ready, the love you can give another pet will honor the one you lost.

So very sorry. I agree and will say this though it would seem too soon that I think of a new pet as a testament to one one I had to lose.

I’m so sorry. I have had to go through it several times, it’s so gut wrenching. I tear up at just the thought of loosing my girl, I do believe though that in spite of all the grief, it takes more love to let them go than to force them to hang on. The thought that comforts me is knowing that I gave each one the best life I was capable of giving. They were all spoiled and lived with lots of love and affection. I’m another who hopes that one day you will feel open to bringing another dog into your life, for some it can be very catharic.

Thanks everyone--your good wishes are truly appreciated and it helps. We took him in a 9 and his death was so peaceful. But oh how we miss him. We are in our 80's so I don't think we will get another dog. Our son called and suggested an older rescue dog. Tonight will be the first time in 11 years that our little Barney will not be in our bed. It's so hard. Thanks again.

I've been afraid to even open this thread. So sorry, but I think that you did the right thing.

I am so sorry, but having been through this too, i agree you did the right thing. I know it’s a struggle.

RIP dear Barney. Go play over the rainbow bridge. You are gone, but not forgotten. Please say Hi to our beloved cat Chazz. He was a blue eyed oriental. Be careful though, he was awfully sassy.

I hope you make new friends and have lots of adventures. Go, run free like a young pup.

If you ever look back we will be watching. It's OK. We loved you enough to let you go.

Love to anyone who has lost a furbaby.

Maybe you could foster? I wish you peace and love.

I know your pain and sadness. So very sorry for your loss. Virtual hugs.

I am just so sorry.

(and I would consider a senior dog and or fostering if you are receptive).

I am sure Barney knew how loved he was.

I'm sorry your time with Barney has ended. It sounds like it was a very happy time. Remember that with pleasure, but I don't think it can be recaptured.

We were 77 and 80 when we had our last Westie put down three years ago. He was 16. We've chosen not to have another dog and have not regretted it. Were either of us living alone, a dog would have been -- will be -- a possibility. For now, though, we are 'companions' enough for one another.

With regards to getting a new dog (or cat) -- there is no generic right or wrong. You have to search your own heart and listen for 'yes' or 'no, not again.' Be true to yourself.

Midnight has gone over the Rainbow Bridge. It's empty but I don't think I get another pet, I am 89 and it would not be fair to another animal when I am most likely moving to a senior home soon.

If you know someone willing to take on the responsibility it is possible to get another pet. Rescue an older pet and have someone you know willing to take them on when you cant take care of them any more. My MIL took on a pet this way. It worked for everyone. Having a pet in the home is a healthy sort of thing for you and maybe a child would be back up? I dont have kids and have decided our present kits must be our last but I know people this has worked for. MIL's cat ended up with a Grandson whose girlfriend actually had issues with him over who got the cat. Great thing for a kitty I took care of for a short period as a baby with issues.